Original masters of Joy Division and New Order albums discovered in bin to be sold

Original copies of early recordings by both Joy Division and New Order that were found after they had been thrown away have now been put up for sale.

Julia Adamson discovered the original masters and outtakes from albums such as Joy Division’s ‘Unknown Pleasures’ as well as music by New Order, The Psychedelic Furs, Magazine and many more years ago, but is now selling the physical copies after digitising them in 2008. The tapes originally belonged to producer Martin Hannett – who died in 1991 – but were found abandoned by Adamson, who was his assistant and now runs independent label Invisible Girl Records.

Writing on her Facebook page, Adamson says: “I have looked after these tapes for a long time and when I approached the artists (who were my first port of call) I was subjected to accusations and abuse… so I don’t really care any more. I know they are worth something to a collector… and good luck to them. The quality of ‘Unknown Pleasures’ far surpasses the mastering from vinyl over the years (they lost the master tapes long ago… these are copy masters… and outtakes… that I assure you are quite splendid).”

Adamson has extended the deal to all the artists and their record companies saying: “Tried the other band members, too, to no avail, and the record companies”. She is keen for a collector to take them from her following discussions with Peter Hook, who she describes as “not a happy bunny”.